Writing 2 -

 

 
Monarchy or Republic
 
"The question as to whether there is such a thing as divine right of kings is not settled in this book. It was found too difficult. That the executive head of a nation should be a person of lofty character and extraordinary ability, was manifest and indisputable; that none but the Deity could select that head unerringly, was also manifest and indisputable; that the Deity ought to make that selection, then, was likewise manifest and indisputable; consequently, that He does make it, as claimed, was an unavoidable deduction. "

Mark Twain – (from A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court – Public domain)

DISCUSSION

  1. Does this text present a logic argument? Why? Why not?
  2. Remember that Mark Twain was American and that he wrote satirical texts. In other words, he is making fun of somebody here. Who? Why?
  3. "That the executive head of a nation should be a person of lofty character and extraordinary ability, was manifest and indisputable". Do you think that today’s "heads of nation" are persons of "lofty character and extraordinary ability"? Give examples.
  4. "That none but the Deity could select that head unerringly, was also manifest" – Does God choose the head of state in your country? How is he/she elected? What do you know of the electoral systems in other countries? Are they fair? Do you think they serve their purpose?
  5. What kind of person would you like to rule your country?
  6. Did you know of this work by Mark Twain? Which other books is he mostly known for?

WRITING

  1. Rewrite this short text in a more modern style.
  2. Write a composition based on the themes for discussion presented below (numbers 1-5).

 

PROJECT WORK

  1. Find out more about the theme of the book from which this text is taken. Write a summary.
  2. Write a composition on "The Life and Work of Samuel Langhorne Clemens"